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Local leaders hope people are starting to take COVID-19 more seriously

WESTMORELAND COUNTY, Pa. — Coronavirus cases are surging all over the Commonwealth.

On Tuesday, the Pennsylvania health secretary issued new mitigation orders to help stop the spread of the virus, including strengthening the initial mask order.

Westmoreland County Commissioner Doug Chew is among the local, state and federal officials working to slow the spread of COVID-19 through their words and their actions.

Chew told Channel 11 he thinks mask wearing has long been a political issue in his county, but that may be changing.

“While I was shopping, I did think that there were a lot more people mask wearing than there had been, say, a couple of months ago. I think the spike in cases has caused a number of people to want to wear a mask,” said Chew.

Chew and his wife contracted the virus earlier this year.

Chew said while his symptoms were mild, he is still experiencing a level of exhaustion.

He’s urging people in Westmoreland County and all of Pennsylvania to follow the new mitigation efforts outlined by Dr. Rachel Levine.